Saltbush Bar & Grill

Saltbush Bar & Grill is a waterfront restaurant and bar on Martin Street in Ballina, positioned beside the Richmond River. The setting gives the venue a relaxed, riverfront character suited to unhurried meals, evening drinks and special occasions.

The food centres on coastal flavours, with seafood, grilled meats, share-style plates and classic desserts represented across the venue’s menus and hosted events. Menu styles have ranged from barbecue-inspired dishes and fresh local seafood to Greek-style shared feasts, giving the kitchen a broad, produce-focused approach rather than a single fixed cuisine.

Past menus have featured seafood from the Northern Rivers and Australian waters, along with steaks, pork, lamb, chicken and duck. The bar complements the dining room with wine and beer, while the overall format works for a full dinner, a casual drink or a longer meal shared across the table.

Saltbush also has a role as an event venue, hosting themed lunches, seasonal celebrations, fundraising occasions and communal dining experiences. Shared platters and set menus suit gatherings where the meal is intended to unfold over several courses, while the waterfront location adds a calm backdrop for birthdays, family occasions and group catch-ups.

For visitors travelling through Ballina or exploring the coast north of Byron Bay, Saltbush offers a convenient riverside dining stop with a polished but unhurried atmosphere. The venue is particularly suited to diners seeking seafood and grilled dishes, groups planning a celebratory meal, and anyone looking for a restaurant setting close to the river.